BECOME A STUDENT-ATHLETE
Northumbria is proud to partner with the i2i International Soccer Academy, allowing student-athletes to combine full-time study with a pro-level soccer development programme, in a city ranked the UK's 5th best student city and 43rd worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2027).
Designed to maximise your time both in the classroom and on the pitch, you'll train up to five days a week under UEFA-licensed coaches. Alongside your training, you'll study a degree in business, sport or engineering at a UK Top 40 university (Complete University Guide 2027).
Applications for September 2027 entry are open. Apply now.
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Explore our courses, review the soccer programme and get in touch with our i2i Programme Manager, Jamie, for help and guidance.
PLANNING YOUR STUDIES
Get practical details on the application process, funding your studies and securing your accommodation at Trinity Square, with accommodation guaranteed in your first year of study and the option to return each year after.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Browse our frequently asked questions below. If you need further information, register your interest in Northumbria, get in touch with Jamie or speak with i2i International Soccer Academy directly.
We offer full three-year bachelor's programmes in Business, Engineering and Sport:
- Business Management BA (Hons) | Football Coaching and Performance BSc (Hons) | Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) | Sport Coaching BSc (Hons) | Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) | Sport, Exercise and Nutrition BSc (Hons) | Sport Management BSc (Hons)
Most courses are also offered with a four-year Extended Degree route. An Extended Degree is a standard full-time bachelor's degree with an additional preparatory year in the first year of entry, designed to build your academic skills, subject knowledge, and confidence, setting you up for success.
With lower entry tariff points, Extended Degrees offer a more accessible and inclusive route into higher education:
- Football Coaching and Performance (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) | Mechanical Engineering (Extended Degree) BEng (Hons) | Sport Coaching (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) | Sport and Exercise Science (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) | Sport, Exercise and Nutrition (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) | Sport Management (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)
A firm understanding and experience of playing soccer is advised for student-athletes, although you will be supporting by high-quality coaching from i2i's Coaches to help improve your soccer abilities.
We recommend getting in touch with i2i Programme Manager, Jamie Dixon, to discuss your soccer experience in the first instance.
Timetabling is done to ensure maximum time both in the classroom and on the pitch.
Most of our courses follow a model with academic classes in the mornings and soccer activities in the afternoons. Our Engineering courses operate a different schedule, with two full academic days per week*, optimised to support success in your degree and player development.
*Information accurate at the time of publishing on 19/09/2026 and may be subject to change.
To apply to become an i2i student-athlete at Northumbria, please visit the course page for the course you intend to apply form and click the Apply Now button, following the instructions provided to create your Student Portal account.
There is no separate application for the Soccer Development aspect of the programme, however you may want to speak with our i2i Programme Manager or one of the i2i Recruiters prior to starting your application to check your eligibility and to ensure you have everything you need to complete your application in a timely manner.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Register your details below and we’ll keep you informed about your course, the i2i programme, and everything else you need to know. Please ensure you populate all mandatory fields (marked with an *) before clicking Next.
Page last reviewed: 20 October 2026
